Guided FAQ doorway
Death certificate questions
Existing PathAfter FAQ answers about ordering, using, and tracking death certificates in California.
Ordering and copies
Can I get a death certificate before the funeral?The certificate must be filed before disposition (burial or cremation). You can order certified copies as soon as it is registered with the county — you… Death CertificatesHow do I get a death certificate?The funeral home files the death certificate with the county. Once it is registered, you can order certified copies from the county vital records office… Death CertificatesHow long does a death certificate take?In California, registration is usually complete within 8–15 days if filed properly. Certified copies can typically be ordered within a few days after re… Death CertificatesHow many death certificates do I need?Most families need 8–12 certified copies. Each bank, insurance company, and government agency usually wants its own original certified copy. Getting too… Death CertificatesCan I order death certificates online?Yes. VitalChek is the state-approved vendor for California. Your county recorder's office may also accept online orders. The funeral home may order them… Death CertificatesDo I need a death certificate to claim life insurance?Yes. The insurance company will ask for a certified copy. Some also want the policy number and a completed claim form. Call the insurer first to ask exa… Death CertificatesDo I need a death certificate to close bank accounts?Yes. Almost every bank will require at least one certified copy. Some will want their own — do not assume one copy works everywhere. PathAfter gives pla… Death CertificatesHow much does a death certificate cost?California charges $24 per certified copy as of 2024. Some counties charge slightly more. Order extra copies upfront — reordering costs the same per cop… Death CertificatesWhat if the death certificate has an error?Contact the county vital records office where the certificate was filed. An amendment can be filed, but it takes time and paperwork. Do not let institut… Death CertificatesWhat is the death certificate used for?Banks, investment accounts, life insurance claims, Social Security, pension, veterans benefits, vehicle title transfer, real estate, probate court, util… Death Certificates
Where certificates get used
What is title insurance and do I need it when I inherit property?Title insurance protects against defects in title — claims from prior owners, unpaid liens, recording errors. If you inherit property, you may want to p… California DMV, Real Estate, and PropertyDo I need a death certificate to claim life insurance?Yes. The insurance company will ask for a certified copy. Some also want the policy number and a completed claim form. Call the insurer first to ask exa… Death CertificatesDo I need a death certificate to close bank accounts?Yes. Almost every bank will require at least one certified copy. Some will want their own — do not assume one copy works everywhere. PathAfter gives pla… Death CertificatesDo life insurance payouts go through probate?No, if there is a named beneficiary. Life insurance with a named beneficiary passes directly to that person outside of probate. If the estate is named a… Money and AccountsHow do I transfer property without probate in California?Options: living trust, joint tenancy, or a revocable transfer on death deed (TOD deed). If these were not set up before death, small estate procedures m… Property and legalWhat if the bank account has no beneficiary and the estate is large enough to require probate?The executor — once appointed by the court — can open an estate bank account and manage funds through probate. The court issues letters testamentary, wh… Bank Accounts and Financial InstitutionsWhat is the death certificate used for?Banks, investment accounts, life insurance claims, Social Security, pension, veterans benefits, vehicle title transfer, real estate, probate court, util… Death CertificatesCan a California home be sold during probate?Yes. The executor can sell estate property with court approval. The court sets a minimum bid price based on a probate referee's appraisal. The sale is t… California DMV, Real Estate, and Property